Chapter 7
Uchiha Fugaku was abruptly awakened by a loud noise in the courtyard. He closed his eyes and listened, realizing that another Konoha Elder had been killed in his residence last night.
Two Uchiha clan members in charge of patrol had also been murdered, their throats cut. The culprits had come and gone swiftly, their footsteps fading away in the distance.
It seemed that Fugaku's suspicions were correct. Taking advantage of the tense period in the ninja world, Konoha's high-ranking officials were amassing power within the village. As long as these Elders remained alive, they would continue to exert influence on the top decision-makers. However, once the Elder Group was eliminated, the Uchiha clan would face the threat of genocide.
With two Elders killed consecutively, Konoha had achieved its goal of sending troops to the Land of Rain. Fugaku, dressed in his attire, left his house and headed to the usual meeting place of the Uchiha clan. In the courtyard, two black body bags were placed. They had been opened, revealing the lifeless bodies of the two clan members.
Fugaku recognized one of them immediately. It was Uchiha Moriko from the Police Guards, possessing a 2-Tomoe Sharingan but lacking significant talent. Several high-ranking officials from Konoha and the families of the deceased were present. Fugaku's attention was drawn to the two children from one of the families.
The older child appeared to be around 7 or 8 years old, while the younger one was around 5 or 6. Both children were sobbing inconsolably, clearly shocked by the sudden loss of their father, who had always been away in the mountains. Fugaku noticed faint waves of Pupil Strength emanating from the children, which caught his attention. It was possible that they could awaken their Sharingan at any moment.
"Fugaku, you're here," Uchiha Tenjō, Fugaku's father, remarked. "We're going to inspect Elder Yamamoto's body. Come with us."
Fugaku nodded and replied, "Okay, Otōsan."
The body of Elder Yamamoto had been temporarily placed in the Intelligence Department. When the Uchiha clan arrived, the high-ranking officials had already examined the body but had not reached any conclusions.
In the Ministry of Information's morgue, a headless body lay beneath a white cloth. Several Uchiha clan members carefully lifted the cloth to inspect the wounds on the body. The cut on the neck was clean, indicating a knife as the weapon of choice.
Uchiha Tenjō pulled Fugaku aside and whispered, "What do you see?"
Fugaku replied in a hushed voice, "The head is missing. It's highly likely that Elder Yamamoto knew the identity of the killer. He must have been afraid of seeing the murderer while searching through the department's memories. It's probable that the same group of individuals killed Elder Yamada as well."
Uchiha Tenjō nodded and remarked, "Chilling. They're resorting to any means necessary to achieve their goals. Two Elders have been assassinated in a row. I wonder if they'll continue until they've eliminated all the Elders."
"Elder Yamamoto should be the last one," Fugaku stated. "From a public opinion standpoint, killing another Elder would only boost Konoha's reputation, but it would ultimately backfire."
Uchiha Tenjō agreed, acknowledging the validity of his son's words.
"I plan to report the findings to Hokage-sama at noon. It seems that the assassins can only be traced back to the Wind and Rain countries and the Three Countries. After Elder Yamamoto's murder, the Uchiha clan will be at a greater disadvantage," Uchiha Tenjō explained.
"From now on, increase the number of patrols and intensify the night watch," Fugaku suggested. "The villagers believe that the assassinations have ceased due to the Uchiha clan's efforts, which will help protect our reputation."
Uchiha Tenjō nodded and said, "That aligns with my thoughts. This way, the pressure on the Uchiha clan will be alleviated."
For seven days, Konoha lived harmoniously without any further assassinations. Most of the villagers felt at ease, unaware that the Uchiha clan had dispatched numerous clan members to protect Konoha day and night. However, news of the increased security measures spread discreetly.
Rumors of assassinations began to circulate throughout Konoha. The culprit was believed to be from the Wind and Rain countries or the Three Countries. Occasionally, other speculations surfaced only to quickly fade away.
Fugaku watched as the people of Konohagakure fell prey to manipulation. Years later, the same public opinion storm would force Konoha's White Fang to take his own life at the hands of the high-ranking officials.
In the midst of this storm, the reputation of the Police Guards underwent a slight change, an unfortunate turn of events for the Uchiha clan.
Fugaku spent the following days organizing his Genjutsu memories and intensifying his Genjutsu training. With the current tense situation, he could be deployed to the battlefield at any moment. Improving his Ninjutsu or Taijutsu skills within a short span of time was impossible. Only Genjutsu, empowered by the formidable Kekkei Genkai of the Sharingan, could unleash his true potential.
Furthermore, as his Pupil Strength increased, his Genjutsu abilities would become even more potent, serving as his best means of survival on the battlefield.
At night, in Uchiha Tenjō's study, the father and son engaged in conversation.
"The war draws closer, and the battles in the Land of Rain are escalating," Uchiha Tenjō said. "A ninja war could break out at any moment. Tomorrow morning, you will go to Hokage's Office. Hokage-sama has approved your promotion to Jōnin, and there are new tasks awaiting you."
Fugaku nodded, having anticipated this development. However, he wondered who his assigned mentor would be.
Uchiha Tenjō repeatedly warned him, saying, "You might be sent to the Land of Rain this time. Be cautious. The four nations are at war, and there are countless formidable fighters. Don't act rashly."
Fugaku assured his father, "Otōsan, rest assured, I will be careful."
The following morning, Fugaku knocked on the door of Hokage's Office and entered, finding himself face-to-face with the Third Hokage.
"Hokage-sama, Uchiha Fugaku reporting for duty."
"You've performed well on this mission," the Third Hokage commended. "Uchiha Fugaku, after verifying the information from Sunagakure, you will be officially promoted to Jōnin. We have an S-Rank mission for you to undertake."
Fugaku remained composed and well-prepared, his heart steady.
"As a Konohagakure shinobi, it is my duty to complete the mission," Fugaku declared.
The Third Hokage nodded, satisfied with Fugaku's attitude.
"Konoha has lost two Elders consecutively, and the Wind and Rain countries are being blamed," the Third Hokage explained. "It has been many years since the last ninja war, and the strength of Konoha has been forgotten. Konoha is establishing a Vanguard Squad, and you will serve as the captain under Hatake Sakumo."
"Yes, Hokage-sama," Fugaku acknowledged.
Leaving Hokage's Office, Fugaku unsealed the mission scroll, which revealed the time and location for the meeting regarding the task.
The meeting was scheduled for the following morning in a forest outside Konohagakure. The scroll bore the signature of the Third Hokage, indicating that obtaining his approval was necessary to join the Vanguard Squad.